How often are you guys changing hardware? I just went to tighten my bindings and it feels like the Philips head is striping. At the moment they are fine and i've called rider services who will be sending out a hardware set.

My main questions is if others actually regularly change out hardware, leave bindings attached to the board at all times, or if this is my fault for using a pocket tool vs a standard screw driver.?

My bindings stay attached to the board 90% of the time. They only come off if I want to run a different amount of set-back for the day and/or if I am transporting multiple boards in a board-bag, then of course it is more convenient to remove at least one of the sets of bindings on the two boards that I often take on trips where I don't know what type of conditions I'll encounter.

IMO, binding screws are pretty much good for the life of the bindings - at least that has been my experience with the 4-5 sets of bindings that I've had for more than 6 years/pair. Of course, defects and/or stripping out of the heads will naturally decrease the life of your gear no matter the quality.

I have a pair of Burton Customs on my Johan Olaffson pro-model that I've had for what I'd estimate to be about 17 years or so - the mounting hardware is in as good condition (mostly) as the new hardware on my brand new PYL/Cartels.

Yeah I had assumed most people just left them on all season. I'll try that as best I can this year, but i usually ride out of state so i'll still be taking them off often when I fly. Aside from removing them often I also have a feeling the hand tool is more likely to strip the screws than a long screw driver would.

Make sure you're using a #3 philips head. Other than that it shouldn't matter if you use a pocket too, screwdriver, or your teeth. While you want them torque halfway decent there is no need to crank down on them until your knuckles are white.

Make sure you're using a #3 philips head. Other than that it shouldn't matter if you use a pocket too, screwdriver, or your teeth. While you want them torque halfway decent there is no need to crank down on them until your knuckles are white.

Only talking a wee bit of torque, like 30"lbs.

Yes, you need three different screwdrivers. Big Phillips for binding to board connection, medium Phillips for most screws on the binding itself and small Phillips for some of the ratchet screws.

Lots if vibration and movement in the binding parts so tighten those regularly. I find the board to binding connection stays tight but check it too.